Foundation Awarded Grants To 82 Groups
The Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath and Alleghany hosted its annual reception recently at the Virginia Horse Center Appomattox Mezzanine. The event was attended by over 200 guests, which included community leaders, not-for-profit leaders, donor and philanthropic minded citizens.
In her opening speech, Lori Turner, executive director, said, “Tonight we are celebrating philanthropy - your philanthropy individually and our foundations philanthropy collectively. Through your generosity we can improve the quality of life in Rockbridge, Bath, and Alleghany countys not only today, but far into the future. We hope tonight’s reception will give you a sense of the accomplishments made possible by our donors who believe in on mission.”
The Community Foundation for Rockbridge Bath, and Allegany has grown to nearly $10 million, managing over 85 endowment funds. The annual reception highlighted how they were able to distribute over $380,000 to 82 area nonprofit organizations from these endowments.
“It is such an honor to be here with all of you tonight,” said Greg Madsen, chairman of the board of directors, “We are proud to have the privilege of supporting the communities we serve through thoughtful philanthropy. The work that we do together is built on deep history and is dedicated to a brighter future. Together we are creating stories that will be a lasting legacy.”
Agencies who received annual grants included Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board, Alleghany Highlands Trails Alliance, Alleghany Highlands YMCA, ARC of Rockbridge, Area 18 Special Olympics, Bath County Arts Association, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Boxerwood Education Foundation, Boys Home of Virginia, historic Asbury Church in Brownsburg, Brownsburg Museum, Buena Vista Arts Council, Buena Vista Police Foundation, Care Portal for Fosters, Citizens for Education, Community Table for Rockbridge, Concerned Citizens of Glasgow, ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice, English-Speaking Union, Feed the Need Foundation.
Also, Fine Arts in Rockbridge, Friends of Chessie Trail, Garth Newell Music Center, Grace Episcopal Church, Half Halt Equine Helping Other People Excel, Historic Lexington Foundation, Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center, Hulls Drive In-Hulls Angels, Irma Thompson Educators of Color Program, Kitty Care, Lexington City Schools, Lexington Police Foundation, Rockbridge Regional Library Youth Literacy, Lexington Sunrise Rotary Club, Lexington Woman’s Club Children’s Program, Lime Kiln Theater, Main Street Buena Vista, Main Street Lexington, Maury River Recovery Court, McKee Big Spring Cemetery Association, Meals on Wheels - Maury River Senior Center, Mission Next Door.
Also, Mountain Gateway Community College, Nature Camp Foundation, Project Horizon, Reading in Color/ CARE Rockbridge, Recover Virginia, Rockbridge Conservation, Rockbridge Area Habitat for Humanity, Rockbridge Area Health Center, Rockbridge Area Relief Association, Rockbridge SPCA, Rockbridge Area YMCA, Rockbridge Christmas Baskets, Rockbridge Connect & Nourish, Rockbridge Historical Society, Rockbridge Public Schools Foundation, Rockbridge Recovery, Samuels Supper St. John’s Episcopal Church, St Luke’s Episcopal Church Outreach Program, United Way, Unity4Kids, Valley Program for Aging Services, Valley Stretcher Transport, Virginia Horse Center Foundation, Washington and Lee - Campus Kitchen, Windy Cove Presbyterian Church and Yellow Brick Road.
Also awarded this year were scholarships from the Community Foundation totaling nearly $30,000, which included the Camp Mont Shenandoah Spirit Scholarship, Edward F. Turner Memorial Scholarship, Charles L. Lauck Memorial Scholarship, Eric Charles Bowyer Scholarship, Lexington High School Alumni Scholarship, Blair Family Scholarship, Jaclyn’s Hope Scholarship. Pastor Fred of the Bethesda McElwee Church Scholarship, LSRCH Pete Whitlock Scholarship. Stonewall Jackson Hospital Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship and the Covington Women’s Club for GFWC Scholarship.
“We have grown from $800,000 to over $9.8 million, said Ben Worth, vice chairman of the board of directors. “Our prudent investment policies are aimed at preserving the funds while still allowing impactful payouts each year.”
The Community Foundation for Rockbridge Bath, and Allegany grants help not-forprofit groups to sustain and expand their valued work in the community.
“Being a good community partner is a critical component of the community foundation. We are honored to be a vehicle for important for many impactful community resources, which make a difference in the lives of so many,” said Turner.
Tasha Walsh, executive director of ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice, was the speaker for this year’s event. She said, “The Community Foundation is such a critical component for our not-forprofit agency. Knowing that we have this money coming annually from our endowments allows us to do extra projects for those who need us. We are so grateful that for this funding that is guaranteed from every year.”
More information about the Community Foundation can be found at its website, https:// cfrba.org, or by calling/emailing Turner at [email protected] (540) 414-2674).
THOMAS GOSSE and Ingrid Barber chat at the Community Foundation for Rockbridge, Bath and Alleghany’s annual reception.
LORI TURNER shares insights about the Community Foundation with guests.
